Let me be frank & true.The album by Harris Jeyaraj isnt as bad as everyone is claming.Yes,when you compare it with any previous A.R.Rahman - Shankar combo album,this album sinks without a trace,but if you see it as just an album by Harris,it stands out.There are 6 tracks all together in this album,Anniyan.Out of all these,2 songs r GOOD,2 are PASSABLE,and 2 more are BAD.Lets start seeing what this album provides!
1.Adangakaka - Jassi Gift,KK,Shreya Goshai ,Saindhavi
The songs starts with the simular beats of Gopala - Kadhalan,then comes in the Ola Ola Ma...which I find it really irritating,then comes in the most catchy words in the song,'' Randaka Randaka Randaka Randaka ''.The only lyric you will end up singging once the audio finishes.Jassie Gift voice didnt give much impact to this song,according to some news before the audio release which claimed it would!The only plus point in this song is Shyera Ghosal & KK's voice! both rendered the song very beautifully,with catchy ''Randaka'' chant.But once the song is done,you will be wondering - Is this the song which the websites all hyping about,the ANNIYAN song??it somhow ends up very passable.Never get into the list of Gopala,Uppu Karuvadu list!!
Ratings : 5/10
2.Iyer veethu Azhage - Hariharan , Harini
Starts with the classical bit (sorry,i dunno a thing bout classical raags,pardon me on this),which goes on until 1:22.Which Harris is trying to give us the feel or carnatic music (?)Then Hariharan comes in with his beautiful renderation.The words sounds quite amateurish, '' Un pool azhage pirakevillai,piranthal athu naam pillai''.I think Harris is trying to provide the same magic that A.R.Rahman gave Hariharan & Harini in Indian with Telephone Manipol.But .... (??????) Then comes in the second interlude,which the Veenai bit is very very simular with Narumugaye - Iruvar second's interlude too(try to give it a listen).This song falls under the GOOD section,eventhough it didint satisfy me as a Music Lover (Thanks to ARRahman).
Ratings : 7/10
3.Kumari - Shankar Mahadevan & Harini
This song needs special mention:
1.Its a good effort from Harris Jeyaraj
2.Harris Jeyaraj Version of En Uyir Tozhi - Kangalal Kaithi Sei
3.Shankar Mahadevan's great Renderation
Im was really shock when I listen to this song.Not only its GOOD,but it sounds sooo simular with En Uyir Tozhiye - Kangalal Kaithi Sei.Let me be clear why did I meant that?
1.Same female vocal introduction (with the same music which flows with the music)
En Uyir tozhiye (1.55)
Kumari (3.41)
2.Same Piano's music playing around behind the track.(Style)
3.Same continuation of the female song towards the ending of the song
From what I saw Shankar praised Hj for his scores in Anniyan,i really didint expect this kinda track in this package.. Shankar,you need to proof you do not require ARR's style in your movie!!
Ratings : 7/10
4.Kadhal Yaanai - Nakul , Melwyn,G.V.Prakash
This song was leaked online few days before the official audio release.Yea,this song is suppose to be the ' Shakalakka Baby ' Of Anniyan.one word : LOL ;). The song starts with an annoying chant,then moves towards the song's body.
One fact :
kathal yanai ( 0:37 ) the beat and starting part similar to boys - saregame ( 0:48 ).(Same genre??????)
I seriously dunno how to comment on this song,as it has Las Ketchup tune,and various Eng songs (from 80's im sure),and ofcource his own 12's songs.Anyway,no one is perfect right?!Dont push Harris too much to provide a Shakalaka Baby or Muqala,Shankar!! Are you seeing this???
Ratings : 4.5/10
5.Kannum Kannum Nokia - Lesle ,Andre ,Vasundra Das
Oh Gosh... what was Harris thinkin when he was composing this song??Well,it might attrack certain people,but many of my friends disaproove for this song.Not only it has shades of his previous songs,but the lyrics is very very poor.Its the normal Harris style with funny vocals & weird arrangment!As Shankar said,it wil become hit once the movie hits the screen...Lets hope!!
Ratings : 4/10
6.Stranger in Black - Sunitha Sarathy & Chennai Chorale
One of best composition from Harris.In this he CAN compose a theme music for a movie.But by seeing this,i couldnt help thinking he is trying to immitate A.R.Rahman by composing Themes for movies.Im not telling that A.R.Rahman the one started this trend or what,but yea,the way the song flows very much like an A.R.Rahman Theme.Very simular to what A.R.Rahman had composed in a Chinese film '' Warriors Of Heavan & Earth'' which was released 2 years ago,2003.Well,the song starts just like Thoothe Varuma - Kaake Kaake (not to mention same singer),and goes on very mysteriously.Nice composition from Harris,but im still guessing where I have heard certain bits before... Any Guesses?
- [7.2.2006] Finnaly..i found out where did Harris 'borrowed' the tune from, guys, go listen to Resurrection - Passion of Christ OST by John Debney [2004]. Stranger in Black from Anniyan is a straight lift from the Resurrection - Passion Of Christ OST. Only think Harris did was adding the Female's vocal in. No wonder the theme sounded good...does my review above for the song counts??
Ratings : 8/10
OVERALL,this album is a thumbs up for Harris standard,and an average for Shankar's (knowing all his albums had A.R.Rahman's music).Its not easy to fill in the gap of A.R.Rahman for any directors,but by what Shankar mentioned,it looks like Shankar is satisfied with Harris composition.So lets be prepared for next Shankar - Harris Jeyaraj album which this kinda expectation only!Good Luck for Anniyan once the Movie releases.Harris had fulfill his fans who was expecting a break for Harris after a while,since chellame released,and yea,he managed to keep them happy.What bout the A.R.Rahman Fans (Like me) who is eager to know what Harris has done for Shankar?Did it satisfy us?
'Anniyan' Album... Will it become Anniyan (Stranger)?Its all up to Shankar now!!
